The funny thing about being an adult is we often forget what it felt like to be a kid. Sure we have memories of events and feelings, but sometimes we forget how much the little things in life mattered to us. I was thinking about this yesterday as I watched my kids play tennis (group lessons) and was bothered by many things the other parents around me were doing. I decided it was important enough to write about, so with a little venting and some useful advice (I hope) here it goes...
DO encourage your kids to be physically active at anything that interests them. The only way to maintain an active lifestyle is to enjoy what you do. If your kids like it, they will want to do it.
DON"T assume that because you like something your kids will like it to. They are unique individuals like everyone else. You may be lucky, like myself, and have kids that do enjoy what you enjoy, but don't expect it and don't force them into doing an activity they clearly don't like.
DO show interest in what interests them and pay attention to them. I was perturbed to see that my husband and I were among only a few parents who were actually watching our kids play. I stood at the fence, took pictures, and watched every hit, serve, and exercise they did. I shouted "good job!" when they did something right and gave gentle reminders when they weren't paying attention. Believe it or not, the other parents appeared to only be concerned with the conversations they were having amongst one another and many actually had their backs turned away from the courts. If you were the kid playing and your parents showed no interest, how would that make you feel?
Childrens activities are not about finding cheap babysitters for your kids. They are a chance for you, as a parent, to show interest and invest in your children. They also offer you a chance to share an experience with them that will build memories to last a lifetime. I was watching some interviews recently of professional tennis players and they were asked what helped them to play well enough to compete. Many of them stated it was their parents, expressing gratitude for their parents dedication, support, and encouragement. It makes a difference.
DO pay attention to your kids' behavior and show parental responsibility. All I can say is two adults, eleven children under the age of 6 or 7. Do the math and you will clearly see that it would be hard to control all of the kids without a little help from moms and dads. There were many children misbehaving with no one correcting their behavior. It is important to be conscientious of how your children behave in a group setting ensuring they are paying attention and showing respect to their fellow students and teachers.
DO come prepared. One woman (a grandmother, I believe) brought a child to play tennis on a warm, summer morning for over an hour of play and brought him nothing to drink. He told her he was thirsty and she shared a sip of her Pepsi with him. When the second water break came, he again said he was thirsty and she apologized for drinking all the soda. (Lady, you need to bring a water bottle, not a can of soda for a five-year old.) Always a good idea to have plenty of water and even a light snack for the kids. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a good idea, too.
DON'T over-schedule your kids. Re-visit point #2 to clarify. Many Gen-X parents seem to feel that they should buy their kids everything, including 24/7 entertainment. Your 5-year old doesn't need to take dance lessons three days a week on top of soccer, skiing, and gymnastics. She's 5, let her be 5. One activity that a child really loves is better than signing them up for half-a-dozen different activities that they do half-ass while they are running around all week exhausted. Encourage one activity they really enjoy and let them spend the rest of the week outdoors, running, playing, exploring, and being creative enough to make their own activities. Simplify your life, and theirs. Happiness (and exercise) can be free.
Parents are the main guide of the children. After reading your blogs we are very much clear that what should be the role of the parents towards their children. Thanks a lot for this posting.
http://healthfreak2.wordpress.com/2009/09/23/healthy-eating-habits-to-remain-fit-fine/
Posted by: Robin Smith | September 23, 2009 at 03:35 AM